Making Guardianship great again! An honest conversation

What happened to our reputation? Anti-Guardianship movement NASGA Disability Rights Activists Boomers against elder abuse Celebrity cases involving guardianship Peter Falk Mickey Rooney Glen Campbell Casey kasem

NASGA – National association to stop guardianship abuse Focus on guardianship “horror stories” Aligned with Catherine Falk Foundation Supports sdm legislation Supports wings Supports nga’s Standards of practice (“an excellent guide”) “Wanted” List 5 Indiana connections!

Supported decision making History – i/dd population “railroaded” Jenny hatch story Sdm agreements explained Legislation to authorize supported decision making agreements Indiana governor’s council for people with disabilities Indiana professional management group ARC of Indiana Family voices indiana

Main criticisms of both groups Guardianship abuse Isolation and exploitation Lack of access and information power beyond law or court orders Lack of accountability Supported decision making low view of i/dd persons Taking away rights No voice in decisions Need for more alternatives

A higher view of guardianship NGA Standard 2.1 – Know the extent and limitations of authority Nga standard 3.1 – treat the person under guardianship with dignity nga standard 8 – balance between meeting needs and least restrictions Nga standard 9 – self-determination of the person Nga standard 10 – guardian’s duties regarding diversity and personal preferences Nga standard 16 – avoid all conflicts of interest (including appearances!)

The guardian’s relationship with family members and friends of the person NGA Standard 4.1 – Promote social interactions and meaningful relationships consistent with the preferences of the person under guardianship 4.1(a) & 4.1(B) – Encourage and support contact with family and friends unless necessary to protect from substantial harm NGA standard 4.5 – maintain communication with persons family and friends regarding significant occurrences (when it benefits the person under guardianship) Nga standard 4.6 – May advise family and friends of all pertinent medical issues, request and consider family input on medical decisions

Making guardianship great again Perform our duties according to the nga standards Give dignity to persons under guardianship, family members, providers, and all others Support adoption of nga standards as benchmark for all guardians in indiana Get involved in legislative affairs – give input on proposed changes Use center for guardianship certification as bolt-on requirement for professionals Submit success stories to nga/ngn portal for promotion of guardian industry Establish or join a wings program to add your voice and experience

Be a great guardian!!! Paul m seideman, president - tresco of Idaho Paul@trescoofidaho.com 208-866-4303